Post centenary silver jubilee celebrations

The post-centenary silver jubilee celebrations of the Congregation of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS) were held at Rosario Cathedral on Wednesday April 12, 2012.
The theme of the celebration was ’Make us a rainbow, a sign of hope for a new world’, and the cultural programmes presented later on in the evening were based on this theme.
The evening began with a thanksgiving Mass at 4 pm at the Cathedral where Ursuline Franciscan Congregation was founded 125 years ago. The main celebrant of the Mass was Archbishop of Bangalore Dr Bernard Moras. Bishops, priests, nuns and dignitaries, Family membersa of the Sisters participated in large numbers.

Dr Bernard Moras presided over the stage programme that followed after the Mass. Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza was the chief guest.
Dr Bernard Moras in his presidential address said, 'It gives me great pleasure to be here to preside over the post-centenary silver jubilee celebrations of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters. The Ursulines are spread in all the dioceses of Karnataka. As Archbishop of Bangalore and president of the Karnataka bishop’s conference I would like to congratulate and render my best wishes to the Superior General Rev Sr Doreen D’Souza and all the sisters of the congregation.'
He further said, 'If an egg is broken from outside it is said the life dies. But if the egg breaks from within, the life begins. And that life which has begun gives joy, happiness and lives on. If that is so, it is true in our own life, life of a congregation, of institute, of church, of society. Jesus died on the Cross, gave his life for us so that we have life in fullness.'

He added, 'Today Ursuline Franciscan Congregation is celebrating 125 years of their existence and service to the society in India and the world. The Congregation is serving the deserving. One has to empty oneself to be one with the people. The Ursulines are going in search and living among the poor and among the needy.' He gave the example of Ursuline sisters who had served the needy in Belgaum when he was the bishop there.
He also called upon the faithful to ask themselves what they can do for the Church and make the world a better place. 'Since 2008 we have been attacked. Though our work is appreciated from the outside, our services are not accepted. As Christians, we are seen as outsiders - that means we have not succeeded in being part of the people of our state, country, our area. And that is why this is an occasion to say to ourselves, ’how do I serve better?’'
In his address Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, 'On behalf of the diocese of Mangalore I congratulate the congregation of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters on completing 125 years of its existence. From the beginning the pious association has grown to be a religious congregation. It has grown into a huge tree with so many taking shelter in its branches,' he said.
He further added, 'This is a day of great joy, the day when Ursuline Franciscan Congregation celebrates the post centenary of the establishment of its congregation in the presence of so many bishops, priests, nuns and lay faithful. The congregation serves in various places in different ways.' He also gave a brief outline of the history of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters.
During the ceremony, five books edited by Fr Devadutta Kamath, connected to UFS were released. Those who have played a key role in the progress and growth of UFS were honoured on the occasion.
One of the projects during the UFS jubilee year was to build a house for the needy. The keys of a house under this project was handed over to Walter Ferrao, son of Cecilia Ferrao, who is one of the beneficiaries.
’Tobia Payana’ project undertaken by the UFS to assist 64 children till they are ready to choose their careers, was also inaugurated on the occasion symbolically by handing over lighted candles to three children.
Sr Doreen D’Souza, Superior General of the Ursulne Fransican Sisters, welcomed the gathering. Bishops of various places including from Tanzania, priests, nuns and the laity were present.
The celebration culminated with a beautiful cultural programme that included a dance drama on the life of Sr Angela Merici, the foundress of the Company of St Ursula in Italy; a song, dance and drama ’Dhonu’ by Eric  Ozario and Arun Raj of Mandd Sobhan, highlighting the Frontline Ministries of the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation and their future jubilee projects; and a short documentary ’Pilgrimage of Love’ depicting the history, life and mission of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters.
The Congregation of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters (UFS) that originated in Mangalore (at Rosario Cathedral on April 10, 1887) has celebrated the Post Centenary Silver Jubilee of its foundation in a fitting solemn manner, on April 12, 2012. This Congregation of Mangalore-centered Sisters, spanning three centuries 19,20 & 21, has spread their labour for God to uplift the marginalized, with the motto 'FOR THE LOVE OF GOD'. Over the past 125 years it has grown like the proverbial flourishing vine, to many parts of India, particularly rural and remote; and also to different parts of the world. Their inimitable commitment expands to embrace more than 128 Convents with about 1102 members spanning 33 diocese. They under - take different ministrations and run educational, social and vocational centers, orphanages, hostels, homes for the elderly, medical support and so on, through 33 diocese. The theme of this 125 year jubilation is 'MAKE US A RAINBOW, A SIGN OF HOPE FOR A NEW WORLD'.